Parents can play leading role in new Wokingham secondary school

Parents are needed to come forward to help guide some of the key decisions about the school, which is set to open next September

Parents can play a leading role in the development of a new secondary school in the south of the borough.

Pupils in Arborfield, Finchampstead and Barkham will be able to attend a local secondary school from September 2016, but parents are needed to come forward to help guide some of the key decisions.

Wokingham Borough Council has formed a parent reference forum to ensure the new school meets parents’ requirements, particularly in terms of ethos and curriculum.

The group held its first meeting on Monday, June 30, with eight parents, but the door is still open for other parents prepared to commit the time to be involved.

Councillor Charlotte Haitham Taylor, executive member for children’s services, said: “We need parents to play a big part. We held some consultation events earlier in the year and, through them, we have found some fantastic volunteers, but we need more keen and committed people to provide the vital parent voice for the next vital stages of this school’s development.”

She added: “There has been an understandably strong desire for a secondary school for our children in the south of the borough and we are thrilled that we will be able to provide one now.

“The timescale for this school to open in September 2016 is tight but achievable and we will make sure we engage with parents and the wider community throughout what promises to be an exciting and rewarding journey.”

The location of the new school has not yet been decided, but it is likely to be near the major housing development due to be built at Arborfield Garrison over the coming years.

The parent reference group will meet at the council’s offices in Shute End at 7.30pm on Mondays throughout the year, including: July 21; August 18; September 15; October 20; November 17; and December 15.

For parents who cannot attend the evening meetings, daytime sessions will take place at 11am on Monday, July 21; Thursday, August 21; Monday, September 15; Monday, October 20; Monday, November 17; and Thursday, December 18.